A

CQUIRED

IMMUNODEFICIENCY
SYNDROME

WHY AIDS?
There

is an increasing number of cases a support to the program of the Department of Health

As

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV

is the virus which attacks the T-cells in the immune system.

AIDS is the syndrome which appears in advanced stages of HIV infection. HIV is a virus.

AIDS is a medical condition.

WHAT IS AIDS?

Acquired immune deficiency immunodeficiency syndrome

syndrome

or

acquired

Is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

The illness alters the immune system, making people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person (semen and vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk).

The virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, delivering the baby during childbirth, and through breast feeding. HIV can be transmitted in many ways, such as vaginal, oral sex, anal sex, blood transfusion, and contaminated hypodermic needles.

WHAT ARE CAUSES?

Multiple

sexual partners Unprotected sex Placental transfer Blood transfusion Sharing of infected needles

WHO ARE AT RISK FOR AIDS?

Sexually

active adolescents Commercial sex workers Homosexuals Drug users Health care providers

HIV CAN BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH:

Sexual transmission. It can happen when there is contact with infected sexual secretions (rectal, genital or oral mucous membranes). This can happen while having unprotected sex, including vaginal, oral and anal sex or sharing sex toys with someone infected with HIV. Perinatal transmission. The mother can pass the infection on to her child during childbirth, pregnancy, and also through breastfeeding. Blood transmission. The risk of transmitting HIV through blood transfusion is nowadays extremely low in developed countries, thanks to meticulous screening and precautions. Among drug users, sharing and reusing syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood is extremely hazardous. Thanks to strict protection procedures the risk of accidental infection for healthcare workers is low. Individuals who give and receive tattoos and piercings are also at risk and should be very careful.

MYTHS: THERE ARE MANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS. THE VIRUS CANNOT BE TRANSMITTED FROM:
Shaking hands Hugging Casual kissing Sneezing Touching unbroken skin Using the same toilet Sharing towels Sharing cutlery Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation Or other forms of "casual contact"

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EARLY HIV INFECTION

Many people with HIV have no symptoms for several years. Others may develop symptoms similar to flu, usually two to six weeks after catching the virus. The symptoms can last up to four weeks. Symptoms of early HIV infection may include:

Fever Chills Joint pain Muscle ache Sore throat Sweats (particularly at night) Enlarged glands A red rash Tiredness Weakness Weight loss

Late-stage HIV infection

If left untreated, HIV weakens the ability to fight infection. The person becomes vulnerable to serious illnesses. This stage of infection is known as AIDS. Signs and symptoms of late-stage HIV infection may include: Blurred vision Diarrhea, which is usually persistent or chronic Dry cough Fever of above 37C (100F) lasting for weeks Night sweats Permanent tiredness Shortness of breath Swollen glands lasting for weeks Weight loss White spots on the tongue or mouth

LABORATORY /DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

HIV

Screening Tests Complete blood count (CBC) or hematology Blood culture and sensitivity (C and S) Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA); formerly referred to as Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Western Blot CD 4 count

COMPLICATIONS
Pneumocystic

carinii pneumonia

(PCP) Kaposis sarcoma OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS

PREVENTION
Practice

safe sex Practice monogamous relationship Do not use prohibited drugs No sharing of needles Avoid getting tattoos Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) particularly gloves Abstain from sharing sexual fluids Reduce the number of sexual partners to one

Avoid reusing condoms Advise pts to avoid anal intercourse because this practice may injure tissues No sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or bloodcontaminated articles Once infected, avoid donating blood, plasma, body organs or sperm

TREATMENT
Highly

Active AntiRetroviral Therapies

Zidovudine (Tetrovir) Abacavir Nevirapine

Antibiotics Pain relievers/analgesics Antipyretics

THANK YOU!!!